We know transitioning from natural teeth to dentures takes time. However, following our tips can help you quickly get used to speaking, eating, and smiling again.

Whether you need full or partial dentures, our local restorative dentists will let you know what to expect before tooth extraction. That way, you can prepare for how you’ll adjust to your new normal after getting false teeth.

Here are five ways you can help make the transition to dentures easier:

• Read aloud
• Know how to correct slipping dentures
• Eat carefully
• Soak dentures when not in use
• Use a denture adhesive

1. Read Aloud

It’s perfectly normal for you to lisp some of your words after getting false teeth. Your tongue, cheeks, and gums will have to adjust to speaking around your new oral appliance.

To help you get back to speaking normally, we recommend reading out loud or practicing certain words that cause you to slip up. Whenever you come across a new word you have difficulty pronouncing, write it down on a list to practice. Practicing speaking out loud will help you feel more confident when speaking with family members, friends, and coworkers.

2. Know How to Correct Slipping Dentures

If you choose immediate dentures, our dentist will need to adjust the fit once your mouth recovers from dental extraction. We will ensure your new dentures fit properly before you leave our office. However, even the best false teeth can slip occasionally.

Dentures can slip when you move abruptly from sneezing, coughing, laughing, or even smiling. To correct slippage discreetly, we recommend gently biting down and swallowing. This will slightly adjust your oral appliance for a more comfortable fit while being unnoticeable to others.

3. Eat Carefully

After getting dentures, eat foods that are soft or cut into bite-size pieces. For example, you can eat mashed potatoes, breakfast shakes, and yogurt. As you get used to eating with false teeth, gradually include tougher or chewier foods.

Remember that wearing dentures takes some getting used to. You’ll want to ease your way into eating your normal diet again.

4. Soak Dentures When Not in Use

The most affordable dentures are the ones you only have to buy once. While natural teeth are constantly bathed in saliva, the same can’t be said of your false teeth. Dentures that dry out can warp and crack, resulting in the need to purchase replacements.

To stop false teeth from drying out, you’ll need to submerge them in a glass of water or denture cleanser when they’re not in use. Proper denture care will help you save money in the long run.

5. Use a Denture Adhesive

If you want to go back to eating your favorite foods, we recommend using adhesives to hold your false teeth in place. That way, you’ll feel confident while eating or talking.

Denture adhesives are sold in most grocery stores and come in either a cream or a strip. A dentist may be able to recommend a brand if you are unsure what to get.

Restore Your Smile With Dentures

If you have several missing teeth, dentures can be a great way to restore your quality of life so you can eat, talk, and smile with confidence again. Hopefully, these tips will help you through the brief transition period so you can start feeling comfortable with your smile again.

Our Grand Rapids, MI, restorative dentists can help you smile after tooth loss with dentures and other tooth replacement options. Call GR Family Dental today at (616) 455-3020, or contact us online to request an appointment.

This blog post has been updated.